5 candidates who could win Tottenham player of the year

Tottenham have transformed from top four hopefuls to title contenders in just one season, and it has undoubtedly been a team effort.

Mauricio Pochettino's side have been so popular this season because of the way they have played as a unit.

For the first time in a long time, no one player has been bigger the club. That has meant that Spurs have a number of contenders for their Player of the Season award, and it is almost too close to call. Nonetheless, here are 5 who deserve it:

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Hugo Lloris

The French goalkeeper and captain sometimes slips under the radar because firstly, he has a lot of protection from Spurs' defence and secondly, because he is so consistent that his performances don't always attract the attention they should.

His vital saves against Liverpool served as a reminder of his importance in that defence. Apart from his distribution, there are very few areas of Lloris' game that need improving.

Keeping 12 clean sheets this season, only 2 less than 1-0 merchants Leicester, Lloris could well be recognised for yet another outstanding year of service.

Debate has surrounded whether he is indeed the best goalkeeper in the league, considering the likes of David de Gea and Petr Cech at Manchester United and Arsenal respectively. The Tottenham shot-stopper has proven himself in every area, and it is crucial the club hold onto him this summer.

Toby Alderweireld

'The best defence in the league' and 'Tottenham Hotspur' are usually two phrases that seem completely incongruous.

Yet, thanks to Toby Alderweireld, Spurs can finally be confident that they have finally found a long-term replacement for Ledley King. The Belgian is almost faultless in his tackles and has come up with a few important goals against Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United.

Whether it has been alongside regular defensive partner Jan Vertonghen, or stand-in Kevin Wimmer, Alderweireld has provided the consistency at the back to allow Tottenham's full-backs to go forward and play some of the league's most exciting football of the season.

Mousa Dembele

Dembele is increasingly becoming the favourite among fans for his understated performances, particularly his outstanding display in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool.

It may have taken the unassuming midfielder a little longer than others to be recognised, but he is now being acknowledged as the unsung hero in Tottenham's season.

Not only does he possess phenomenal passing accuracy, he is also crucial for Spurs when they are without the ball due to his hardiness and ability to break up play. The only criticism occasionally aimed at

The only criticism occasionally aimed at Dembele is that he is sometimes reluctant to go forward, and while he could add a few more goals to his tally, he has now found a role that suits his skillset.

Harry Kane

Without wishing to ignore Kane's 20+ goals, handing him the award for a second-year running might be stating the obvious.

The England striker is vying with - and currently winning against - Jamie Vardy in the battle for Golden Boot, and he has already won Premier League Player of the Month for March after six goals in that month.

The fact that Kane won the annual accolade last season could count against him if the club want to recognise one of their debutants, but equally, it is his goals that have fired Tottenham into the top two. That he has done that without much support up front deserves extra credit.

Eric Dier

Dier may seem a surprise inclusion, but he should not be. He has been instrumental in transforming Spurs' shaky midfield into a rock-solid fortress, and the benefits for the defence have been clear too, as they have had another line of protection ahead of them, which has released Kyle Walker and Danny Rose down the wings.

Like so many of Tottenham's stars, he has Mauricio Pochettino to thank for his inspired tactics, moving Dier to midfield from centre-back. The Spurs boss may not have realised at the time just how important that decision would be, but there is a convincing argument that Spurs would not be anywhere near where they are now if it weren't for Dier's steadiness in the centre of the park.

It is difficult to call who Tottenham will opt for, but they will certainly be thankful to be in a position where they are so spoilt for choice.

Who do you think has been Tottenham's best player this season? Have your say in the comments!

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